Staff reports progress across county transportation projects; Pine View groundbreaking set for Oct. 15

County transportation staff delivered a multi-project update covering projects in design, right-of-way acquisition and construction closeout. Staff said Atlas Road phase one is under construction and Blathwood Road widening is in closeout with major utility relocation under way; Old Dutch Fork Road relocation is complete and open to traffic. Staff reported that several dirt-road projects are complete (package P) and that package Q is starting construction.

On schedule items, staff set a Pine View Road widening groundbreaking for Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to noon at 1931 Pine View Road and scheduled a Blathwood Road ribbon-cutting for Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. Staff also noted Saluda Riverwalk Phase 2 remains pending a final agreement with CSX to finish the underpass work and that some parcels for other widening projects still require condemnation or outstanding easement work. When committee members asked about Spears Creek Church Road right-of-way acquisition, staff said roughly one-third of the necessary easements had been secured and that condemnation notices remain in process for several parcels; staff estimated completion of land acquisition in late winter.

Staff said program hiring for transportation-penny staffing is underway and that smaller 'infill' sidewalk work may be funded under a pedestrian safety and access category to use a portion of the budget for routine sidewalks. Members asked for periodic status updates at future meetings.